Violet D. Bobcat
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Violet D. Bobcat is a mascot used by New York University. This costumed Bobcat has a "fictional history" promoted by supporters of the university as well as an actual history.
[edit] History and Times of Violet D. Bobcat
Athletes at New York University have worn the distinctive violet and white colors inspired by the violets that grow under the shade trees of Washington Square Park. The name Violet (Violets when referring to the team or NYU students) in the minds of the uninformed may lack the competitive connotation that goes with athletic endeavor but NYU athletes and other university representatives have carried the Violet name with pride and distinction in sporting events and other contests for over one and a half centuries. Opponents have come to respect the distinct bluish-purple just as supporters have come to revere it.
There have been efforts to change the school’s nickname and mascot over the years. These efforts, while well meaning, have been rebuffed time and again by the majority of NYU supporters who are presumably aware of the special tradition and history that this name stands for. [1] Only an organic name, attached to the university’s tradition of scholarship could do to represent NYU.
It was in 1984 that an occurrence from a peculiar and unlikely source would alter the long lived status of the Violet. The Bobst Library system computerized its catalog, facilitating scholarship and research for the NYU community. A short hand name and logo for this system was derived from the contraction of the name of the Bobst Catalog: “Bobcat”. The image of stylized bobcat in violet colors was also used as a visual representation. Other Bobcat images appeared all over the library, throughout campus and on media and publications.
New York University, as a founding NCAA school, had, during the same time, decided to reorganize the athletic department. The administration decided that it was better for NYU to become a Division III school (having formerly competed in Division I athletics) in all but a few sports programs. With its inaugural Division III men’s basketball competition against the City University of New York (CUNY) at the Coles Center, in 1983 NYU was represented by a mascot of a Violet personified by a human form. Dressed in tights consisting of a green body suit a purple face, yellow hair with a neck ringed with large purple flowers this mascot served as an amusing, if not fearsome mascot for NYU’s reconstituted athletic programs. What the Violet failed to do however, was to present a fearsome or awe inspiring image as is usually the desired effect for mascots.
It was necessary for an edict from high to alter the prevailing circumstances.[2] Then NYU president Dr. L. Jay Oliva directed that the Violet mascot be replaced by an organic mascot that conveyed the proper characteristics. His choice- the Bobcat. Some thought that this choice was influenced wholly by the catalog system when in fact, the Bobcat was noted as the only wild cat to thrive and reproduce in New York; these cats were noted to roam freely on the old University Heights campus.[3] This NYU Bobcat would be clad in a violet uniform and continue to bear the name Violet.
As fotune had it, (according to the "mythical history") at just this time a Bobcat was discovered in the NYU Tisch School of the Arts costume shop and looked strikingly like the cartoon character from the library. (It is said however, partly in jest, and partly from tradition that Violet D. Bobcat is a Stern matriculant due to his congenital predatory nature.) The discovery was considered a fortunate occurrence considering no Bobcat had been seen in New York City for decades outside of the occasionally odd sighting in Van Cortland Park (which IS close to the old University Heights campus.) More importantly, the Bobcat represented the bond between academic excellence and the competitive spirit of athletics- characteristics which New York University has long prized.
It was considered thus fitting that the new mascot was developed not by capricious choice among existing mascots but by a representation of the research and scholarship facilities. It was also fitting that while the university had a new mascot, the Violet color and name had been preserved. It has been noted by those who are award of such things, that the American lynx, or bobcat, is noted for its adaptability; today bobcats are more numerous than in colonial times and reside throughout suburban New York.
The original Bobcat served the University for three years. As it became tattered through hundreds of appearances at athletic events and other University activities, it became apparent that it was time that it would be allowed to retire, at university expense, in a suitable preserve (space accorded in Bobst Library.) Despite the nocturnal nature of the species, no mascot Bobcat would go gently into the night.
”During halftime of a basketball game against the Eagles of Emory University in 1988, the Bobcat was viciously attacked by a most belligerent Eagle. Our Bobcat barely escaped to a phone booth that was installed at half-court. The Eagle hovered. Seconds later, a new and fierce Bobcat emerged from the booth and hastily treated itself to a meal of Eagle snacks.”[4]
Thus, the present incarnation of Violet D. Bobcat was born- wearing violet and symbolizing the tradition of NYU's commitment to academic and athletic excellence. (And so too was answered the way in which urban Bobcats beget their "progeny" which was previously un-witnessed, perhaps due to the lack of phone booths in today’s Manhattan.) It is said that the conditions of NYU’s auspicious commitment to the newly formed University Athletic Association (of which NYU was a founding member) contributed to the timing of the birth.
Violet D. Bobcat can be seen at numerous athletic events at Coles and the Palladium and official and social events all over the NYU campus.[5] It is well known among NYU supporters that should you want to get the attention of Violet D. Bobcat, calling out “Go Violets”, “Hey Violet”, “Hey Bobcat” and the modest pawing of the air will get his attention.(See video for further illustration of Violet D. Bobcat.)[6]
[edit] External links
- A page detailing the history of the Bobcat mascot
- A skit illustrating the habits of the fictional Violet D. Bobcat
